I only want to see you happier, and that depends largely upon yourself." The remembrance of the drama which Miette had so sadly evoked cast a temporary gloom over the lovers.

They continued their walk with bowed heads and troubled thoughts.
"Do you think I'm much happier than you ?" Silvere at last inquired, resuming the conversation in spite of himself.

"If my grandmother had not taken care of me and educated me, what would have become of me?
With the exception of my Uncle Antoine, who is an artisan like myself, and who taught me to love the Republic, all my other relations seem to fear that I might besmirch them by coming near them." He was now speaking with animation, and suddenly stopped, detaining Miette in the middle of the road.
"God is my witness," he continued, "that I do not envy or hate anybody.
But if we triumph, I shall have to tell the truth to those fine gentlemen.

Uncle Antoine knows all about this matter.

You'll see when we return.